Food Assistance

Emergency food access

As Washington’s communities join in cooperation and sacrifice to help each other and stop the spread of COVID-19, access to many resources and services once considered staples of daily life has been curtailed and, in some cases, completely cut off.

Access to food is critical to help people weather this storm and support the effort to stop the COVID pandemic.

Our state’s efforts to ensure ongoing food security systems remain in place to meet the nutritional needs of all Washingtonians -- including children, seniors and people with low income.

The federal government has lifted many restrictions that may have disqualified some applicants from receiving benefits in the past. This USDA Food and Nutrition Service announcement outlines several of these new allowances made in the coronavirus emergency response. Anyone in need of nutritional support – even those who may have previously been denied – should inquire about benefits.

Finding food

Children

Many schools are offering meals to children during school closure.

Any child 18 or younger can receive meals free of charge.

Adults with disabilities who are enrolled in education programs may also qualify.

In many cases, these meals are being delivered or dropped at off-school locations such as bus stops. Check your local school district webpage to find a meal service location near you.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched an online tool – the “Meals for Kids” Site Finder – to help families find meals for children while schools are closed during the coronavirus pandemic.

Pregnant women, new moms, and children under age 5

Families like yours get healthy food and a lot more through the Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC). To find the WIC clinic closest to you, call the Help Me Grow WA Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.

We know finding WIC foods has been hard. Thanks for your patience as stores work hard to keep items stocked. WIC is helping too, by adding more approved foods!

Washington 211 also provides information on locations that provide free meals, commonly known as "soup kitchens." Be sure to contact the facility before arriving to confirm if and how they are operating.

Washington Connection offers a fast and easy way for families and individuals to apply for a variety of services such as cash, child care, long-term care, and Medicare Savings Programs. Individuals that are age 65 or older, blind or disabled may also apply for medical assistance.

For US citizens

Basic food benefit (EBT) cards can be used to buy food and are available for a range of people. You can apply for this benefit on the Basic Food page at the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.

Note: The federal government suspended a work requirement that applied to some adults during this crisis. However, the federal government does require that you be a U.S. citizen to qualify for this benefit.

For legal immigrants

Debit-style cards similar to those described above are available to many non-citizens who meet all the other program requirements. You can apply for this benefit with the State Food Assistance Program Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.